A Simple Wedding at Murdock's Southern Bistro in Cocoa, Florida

Danae Stephens, a photographer, 26, and Matt Kateb, a machinist, 29, met through mutual friends soon after she moved from Michigan to Florida. The couple was engaged one year after their first date. White, blush and silver were selected as their wedding colors. Guests received invitations with a personal touch. Each was made by the bride’s aunt. Matt and Danae had an intimate ceremony at a church in Cocoa, Florida. Danae walked up the aisle with her grandfather as local musician Micah Read, also the couple's friend, played in the background. Danae and Matt’s daughter and son were part of the wedding as the their flower girl and ring bearer. The couple and their 75 guests then went to Murdock’s Southern Bistro nearby to continue the celebration. “I chose the reception location because it was one of my fathers favorite places to eat,” says Danae. “Sadly, he passed away two years ago. I really wanted to add a lot of him into my wedding.” The couple had an open bar at the reception and encouraged their guests to order ordered off the menu. Danae’s beaded sash was the inspiration for the reception’s silver accents and mercury glassware, she says. Both Micah Read and Matt provided the entertainment for the couple’s reception as Matt sang a OneRepublic song to Danae. Five one-tier cakes baked by Sweet Treats by Jess were available for desserts. Guests were given beeswax candles handmade by Danae’s cousin as their wedding favors.